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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to kickboxing

The art of kickboxing has been known in Asia for over 2,000 years. It became very popular in the United States in the early 1970’s. Kickboxing is considered to be a form of martial arts. It is very appealing to many individuals because it allows more contact kicks and punches than other forms of martial arts. Other moves include kick blocks, shadow boxing, sparring, and wood breaking. Due to the risk of injury, kickboxing has more safety rules for competition than other forms of martial arts.

Getting into Kickboxing

If you are interested in kickboxing as a sport or as a workout, you can choose from taking classes to buying tapes that allow you to do them in your home. Make sure which ever option that you decide is at your skill level. If you aren’t sure about a kickboxing class, ask the instructor if you can come in to observe one before committing to it. For the best experience in a kickboxing class, train under an instructor who has a black belt in some area of martial arts and who is also recognized as a fitness instructor.

American Kickboxing

In American kickboxing, opponents are allowed to hit each other with feet and fists. They have to strike above the hip. Opponents cannot use elbows and knees and the use of shins is mostly restricted. Fighters and promoters agree on the various rules and regulations before starting the match.

Japanese kickboxing

In Japanese kickboxing, five rounds of three minutes each are played. Opponents are allowed to attack with the elbow and the knees. They are also allowed to attack below the belt, everywhere except the crotch. However, they are not allowed to head-butt, push or throw.

European kickboxing

European kickboxing has five rounds of three minutes each. In European kickboxing, opponents are not allowed to attack with the thighs or the knees. Opponents are allowed to kick below the body, everywhere except the crotch. Also, in European kickboxing, opponents are not allowed to head-butt or push.

Kickboxing as a health benefit

Many people like to use the kick boxing technique in their workout, without actually kicking anyone. The series of movements of the arms and legs, spins and ducks, help to give you an intensive cardio workout. No matter how much you exercise or think you are fit, you should be very careful when you first start this program. You have to warm up and stretch your muscles.

CONCLUSION

Consult with your doctor before beginning a kickboxing or other martial sports routine. Martial sports can be exhausting on the body, so proper health is required to get the full benefits from this martial arts traditional training. Kickboxing alone can strengthen your heart while burning a great deal of calories at the same time. The discipline and exercise involved with the martial sports routine can have an effect on everyday activities and aspects of your life.